Timber Trader UK Magazine Issue 15 Winter 2021-2022

15

WINTER 2021-2022 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2517–26X (PRINT)

LANDGUARD POINT  18 Bringing timber and pioneering low carbon products to the UK market IMPROVING PALLET LIFESPANS  12

RACKING EXPERTISE  20

Pallet Loop is the sector’s first ever circular economy, carbon net zero, pallet reuse scheme

Steve Wickens, managing director at Wickens Engineering on how to deliver safe and strong product storage

Looking to gain visibility and grow your business in 2022?

Find out how ECI’s award-winning software can help by booking a demo.

To book, contact us on +44 (0)333 123 0333 eu-marketing@ecisolutions.com www.ecisolutions.com/uk

TIMBER TRADER UK  ISSUE 15 CONTENTS

02

12

16

02 News

20

18

The latest news and views from across the industry.

12 Rethinking Pallet Usage A new sustainable supply chain solution is set to transform delivery of building materials and change the way that timber pallets are used and distributed.

16 Keep it Wrapped Two leading timber suppliers have adopted Trioworld Loop packaging in the fight against plastic and keep timber packaging as sustainable as possible.

22

28

18 Cover Story: Landguard Point Key UK timber importer Landguard Point has launched a new Rebo Bamboo Division to supply a pioneering eco-friendly alternative to the UK construction industry.

20 Support Network As head of one of the leading heavy duty racking manufacturers in the UK, we spoke to Steve Wickens, managing director at Wickens Engineering about being a market leader in the busy world of warehousing.

32

22 New Factors Driving Commercial Forestry Value According to the UK Forest Market Report 2021, the forestry market saw a record-breaking year, with average values more than double what they were three years ago with forestry investment reaching a new high.

28 No Time to Slow Down Timber was championed as the world’s leading sustainable building material at COP26 last year but what were the main outcomes and lessons learned from the event?

Managing Editor: Terry Hanlon

Registered address:

 terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

9 Viaduct Street, Newton-le-Willows,



01925 270093

Merseyside WA12 9PL

Artwork: Pete Awad

32 Working Efficiently in 2022

 artwork@timbermedia.co.uk

ERP systems can deliver huge efficiencies for timber and builders’ merchants. Three key organisations expain how these tools are making business life more streamlined, easier to manage and far more profitable.

Follow Timber Media:

Company registered in England and

 @Timber_Media

Wales. Company Number 10839173.

The Perfect Partner for the Timber Industry combilift.com Timber Trader UK magazine 185 x 62 Liz May2021.indd 1

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Winter 2021-2022

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Donaldson Group acquires Stewart Milne Timber Systems The Donaldson Group, has acquired the UK’s leading timber frame

“This is an exciting move for the Donaldson Group, as we venture

manufacturer, Stewart Milne Timber Systems (SMTS), marking the

into the timber frame market at a time when interest in the material

Donaldson Group’s entry into the timber frame market.

has never been higher. The use of timber frame is anticipated to double

Established in 1975 as the timber frame arm of the Stewart

in the next five years as housebuilders turn to modern methods of

Milne Group, Aberdeen-based SMTS is a UK pioneer in timber frame

construction and renewable sources to achieve crucial net-zero carbon

technology and manufacturing, operating throughout the country from

targets. This acquisition supports the Donaldson Group’s commitment

three manufacturing plants in Aberdeen, Witney and a new facility in

to sustainability: building a sustainable business and supporting a

Falkirk.

sustainable industry.”

All staff and operations will continue unchanged. Alex Goodfellow

Alex Goodfellow, CEO, Donaldson Off-site Manufacturing, added:

(Stewart Milne Group managing director – strategic development)

“We have secured the perfect partner who is committed to our growth

will transfer with the business into the role of CEO, Donaldson Off-

strategy and who will support us to achieve our vision. The Donaldson

site Manufacturing and join Rod Allan (SMTS managing director) and

Group has a strong reputation for partnerships, reliability and integrity

the current Board of Directors in continuing to drive the business.

and we are clearly aligned both strategically and operationally which

The Donaldson Group is committed to the Board’s growth plans and

can only help strengthen our market-leading position.”

supporting SMTS achieve its ambition.

Stuart MacGregor, chief executive of Stewart Milne Group, said:

With 160 years of expertise in timber importing and distribution, as

“This deal represents an exceptional outcome for both parties. The

well as decades of experience in timber engineering and merchanting,

scale of the opportunity in the growing timber frame market and the

this acquisition strategically and operationally complements the

stellar growth of SMTS presented a highly compelling investment

Donaldson Group portfolio, allowing the Group to offer a stronger

proposition and we are pleased to have found the right buyer who

timber package for residential and commercial applications to all their

will continue to invest in the business and its people. The sale of SMTS

current and future customers.

will enable Stewart Milne Group to strengthen our investment in our

Announcing the acquisition, Andrew Donaldson, CEO of the

thriving homes business which has seen record levels of sales in the last

Donaldson Group, said: “We’re delighted and proud to have successfully

18 months and, with our differentiated approach to place-making and

acquired this terrific timber frame business. This deal secures the future

new homes range, is now superbly positioned for future growth.”

for a leading UK-based business; enabling the growth plans for it to

SMTS joins the Donaldson Group portfolio of leading independent

reach its full potential, while providing reliability and stability for its

brands: MGM Timber, Donaldson Timber Engineering, James

existing and new customers. SMTS is a natural fit for the Donaldson

Donaldson Timber, James Donaldson Insulation, Smith & Frater,

Group; it offers a similar family-owned ethos and has a strong

Rowan Manufacturing, Nu-Style Products, Kitchens International and

reputation and track record for investment and innovation. We’re

Stonecare.

pleased to welcome all 411 employees to our family business and look More at  www.jamesdonaldsontimber.co.uk

forward to working closely with Alex and the full team.

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Stability returns to UK timber supply chain After a year of near record imports, the timber industry is likely to find itself entering a period of greater stability in 2022, says the Timber Trade Federation (TTF).

The latest TTF statistics show the volume of timber imported between January and October 2021 to be 28% higher than the same period in 2020 – reaching a total of 10.3 million m3 in the year to date.

Yet even as this milestone is reached these statistics reveal a significant shift in timber import patterns with volumes 16% lower in October 2021 than in the corresponding month in 2020. This marks the first month in 2021 where the volume of timber imported was below its corresponding level from 2020, and the end of 15 months of continual growth in UK imports of timber and panel products.

Softwood import volumes reflected these changes with just 557,000m3 entering the UK in October 2021 – which is very close to the average volume of softwood imports seen between 2015 to 2018 (559,000m3). These shifts seen in the timber industry’s import patterns can likely be attributed to a return to more ‘regular’ demand for new housing and RM&I seen in Q4 2021.

Nick Boulton, TTF head of technical and trade policy, said: “After such a long period of volatility in the structural softwood sector, it is good to see the October import statistics showing a return to stability. As predicted throughout, with stocks having been replenished throughout the supply chain we are seeing price pressure reduce and

Covid-19 disruption continue to affect supply and demand, as well

import volumes return to more normal parameters.

as labour availability. Given the increasing demand for low-carbon

“This suggests an end to some of the market disruption we saw

construction products to help us build in a climate crisis, timber will

last year where our industry was working above and beyond to ensure

remain an essential sector to building back better in 2022.”

exceptionally high construction demand was met. However, the market More at  ttf.co.uk/download/ttf-monthly-stats-january-2022/

is still some way off ‘normality’ as Brexit, HGV driver shortages and

Marking systems for SAWMILLS, PANEL and PALLET MANUFACTURERS

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Forestry and Land Scotland look to 2022 after Storm Arwen damage While many outdoor businesses wound down for winter, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) geared up for its busiest time of year, as a huge tree planting effort gets underway. This year’s routine planting season – over the winter months to March – comes at the same time as efforts to tackle the widespread damage caused by Storm Arwen.

FLS estimates that up to 900 hectares – the equivalent of 738 football pitches – in forests that it manages, were damaged across the East Coast, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and south Scotland in November 2021. This is the equivalent of nearly a third of the annual FLS tree felling programme in a single night. Many of these were mature trees, ready for harvesting, but the fact that they have been blown over makes the work of extracting them more difficult.

Over the next 12 months, FLS aims to plant approximately 25 million new tree seedlings to create new woodlands and restock existing forests where older trees have been felled, as well as repairing storm damaged

forestry sector. In one night, the equivalent of nearly one third of our annual

woodlands. Tree species include native species such as birch, oak, aspen,

tree felling program blew over because of Storm Arwen.

rowan and commercial conifers such as Scots pine and Sitka spruce; around

FLS is also restructuring Scotland’s forests, increasing the species mix

half are grown in FLS’s dedicated tree nursery near Elgin.

both to benefit conservation work and biodiversity by creating a ‘mosaic’

All the new forestry, especially the productive forestry that’s grown for

of different habitats instead of the mono-culture forestry of 40 years ago.

much-needed timber, will help contribute to meeting Scotland’s climate

In 2022 FLS, which manages almost 30% of Scotland’s woodland, will plant

change targets by locking up carbon. Increasing the proportion of productive

25 million trees: a mix of conifers (Lodgepole pine, Scots pine, Sitka and

forestry is also vital to reduce the UK’s dependence on timber imports

Norway spruce) and broadleaf (Oak, Birch, Rowan, Alder, Aspen, Beech).

(currently around 80% of the timber we use is imported) so that we can

Over the last five years, FLS has planted approximately 3,282 ha of new

supply more of what we need, from our own sustainably managed forests.

forest, approximately 70% broadleaf, 30% conifer. It will harvest around

Doug Knox, FLS head of technical services group said: “The damage

nine million trees generating £410 million in gross value added for the

caused by Storm Arwen to publicly managed forests that FLS manages is

Scottish economy.

only half the story, and privately owned forests have been just as badly More at  www.forestryandland.gov.scot

affected. The scale of the damage is making significant demands on the

Premier Forest Group announce high level appointment One of the UK’s leading timber groups

strong whilst being able to further develop

has made a high-level appointment to

opportunities for the benefit of all parties. His

consolidate their position within the industry

exceptional knowledge of both the panel products

and drive the business forward to reach

industry and Premier’s product range and

ambitious growth targets.

capabilities mean Andrew is perfectly placed to

Andrew Francis has joined Premier Forest Group as their new UK sales director to lead

help push Premier on to even greater growth.

In his new role, Andrew will be tasked with

the experienced sales team. As part of this

helping to develop the already strong sales

exciting new role, he will help grow both the

team and leading Premier’s sales operations

scale and profitability of the business, across

across the country. Andrew said: “After working

all the group brands, with both new and

alongside Premier Forest Group for over 15

existing customers and suppliers.

years, I’ve always admired their entrepreneurial

With over 30 years of experience in the timber

attitude and positive, team-focused culture,

On the new appointment, Joe Walker,

industry, Andrew brings a wealth of sales and

which have helped them reach the strong

managing director at Premier Forest Group,

management experience to Premier. He previously

market position they enjoy today. I’m looking

added: “Andrew knows the emphasis we place

worked for Norbord Europe Ltd for over 20 years,

forward to helping develop the team whilst

on product quality and has seen first-hand

progressing from area sales manager to UK &

aiding the business in strengthening their

the excellent customer service that we offer.

Ireland sales director. Norbord (now West Fraser)

market position across the UK. Even though I

I am confident that he will be a huge asset to

has long been an important strategic supply

know some of them already, I’m keen to get

Premier Forest Group

partner for Premier Forest Products. Andrew’s

to know the team better; it already feels like a

appointment will ensure that relationship remains

great fit and I’m sure we’ll succeed together.”

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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More at  www.premierforest.co.uk

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

£1.4 million investment at Port of King’s Lynn to keep pace with timber demand Associated British Ports (ABP) has officially

economy continues to bounce back, ABP King’s

opened its Vancouver Timber Terminal at the

Lynn’s crucial trading links are playing an important

Port of Kings Lynn. Timber volumes at the

role in driving growth across the country.”

port have seen a year-on-year uplift of 85% to

Andrew Harston, director of Wales and Short

keep pace with increased demand for use in

Sea Ports for ABP said: “I am delighted to see

construction, manufacturing and DIY in 2021.

this facility open and ready to meet our growing

Named after Captain George Vancouver

demand. ABP King’s Lynn has handled increased

who originated from the town, the new facility

volumes of timber this last year and we expect

provides 3000m2 of undercover storage. ABP has

that this trend will continue.” The 39-hectare

invested over £1.4 million in the new Dutch Barn

(97 acre) Port of King’s Lynn handles around

undercover storage facility which is 130m x 25m

500,000 tonnes of goods each year, comprising

and can accommodate 120 stacked double decker

dry bulks, forest products, steel and other metals.

buses. Now that works are complete, it is expected

Working tirelessly towards ABP’s mission of

that the facility will soon be full to the brim.

‘Keeping Britain Trading’, the port continues its

Building and civil engineering company

commitment to support the recovery of the UK

Britcon completed the works at the port with

economy, and the variety of industries in which

contribute £360 million to the UK economy

construction taking over five months and

ABP’s customers are involved.

every year, supporting 3,700 jobs in the region

supporting 20 jobs. James Wild, MP for NorthWest Norfolk said: “This investment in new facilities to support

ABP is the UK’s leading ports operator with

and 5,300 jobs nationally. Ports in East Anglia

21 ports and other transport related businesses

handle over 2 million tonnes of agribulks and

creating a unique national network capable of

170,000 tonnes of timber annually.

high demand from construction and other

handling a vast array of cargo. ABP’s Ports of

sectors are a vote of confidence in Norfolk. As the

East Anglia, King’s Lynn, Lowestoft and Ipswich

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

05

More at  www.abports.co.uk

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Orchard Timber Products joins National Timber Group Orchard Timber Products Limited (Orchard Timber) has joined National Timber Group (NTG). NTG is a leading, independent, addedvalue timber processing and distribution group. Orchard Timber, established in 2004, is a specialist distributor of timber, sheet materials, kitchens, doors, solid wood flooring, and decking, supplying a range of local housebuilders, contractors, and RMI-focused joiners.

Orchard Timber is the national distribution partner for Kährs Flooring and Kährs’ largest stockist in the UK, carrying over 20,000m2 of solid wood flooring at any given time. Headquartered in Forfar, Scotland, the company has a second depot in Livingston and a sales office in Aberdeen. Orchard Timber employs 90 people and, in 2021, achieved £27m in revenue.

Rob Barclay, chief executive of National Timber Group said: “We are

With shared customer service values, this acquisition fulfils two

delighted to welcome Orchard to the Group. We both share a strong

strategic objectives for NTG. Geographically, it complements NTG’s

commitment to our customers and a passion for timber products, which

footprint by extending its presence into West Lothian and up the

makes this an obvious and complementary partnership. Together, we

North-East coast of Scotland, filling gaps in the Group’s branch network.

will increase our offering in the timber flooring category and improve

Secondly, Orchard Timber’s strengths in solid wood flooring provide

our footprint in Scotland, enhancing our customers’ experience.”

NTG with a highly complementary extension to its existing product

Scott McKinlay, managing director of Orchard Timber said: “For

range. Orchard Timber and its customers will benefit from access to the

some time my fellow shareholders, Stuart Fraser, Kevin Golder, and I

processing and bespoke moulding capabilities of NTG following

have been considering how best to develop Orchard Timber Products

the deal.

further. When the opportunity came about to partner with National

Orchard Timber joins NTG’s Scottish division and will continue to

Timber Group, we were delighted to find we share the same passion

trade under its successful trading name and brand. Scott McKinlay,

and determination to drive the business forward. After this, the

Kevin Golder, and Stuart Fraser, Orchard Timber’s owners, will remain

decision to join the Group was an easy one. I look forward with real

in the business, working with Nick Ratcliffe, managing director of NTG’s

enthusiasm to this new chapter in Orchard’s history.”

Scottish division, to ensure its smooth integration into the Group and to More at  www.nationaltimbergroup.com

realise the opportunities that this transaction offers for future growth.

PEFC announces departure of CEO Global forestry certification organisation

management during his 22 years of service.

PEFC has announced that its long-time

We are deeply grateful for his unwavering

leader Ben Gunneberg is departing as

dedication, loyalty, and outstanding service.

Secretary General/CEO. “The PEFC global alliance is grateful for

“The entire PEFC alliance thanks him for his exemplary enthusiasm, commitment, and

Mr Gunneberg’s outstanding service and

persistence in taking the vision of the PEFC

commitment to PEFC, as well as his significant

founders, and creating, building, and shaping

accomplishments over his distinguished

PEFC into an international organisation that

tenure,” said Eduardo Rojas Briales, chair of

enjoys respect globally. PEFC wishes Mr

PEFC International. “Under his leadership,

Gunneberg the best in his future endeavours,

PEFC has made a real and measurable

which we are sure he’ll undertake with the

difference in forests around the world and

same dedication and passion he gave to

in the lives of people who depend on these

PEFC.” PEFC is now in the process of recruiting a

forests.

“Mr Gunneberg has been the leading

successor. For the transition period, Michael

advocate for PEFC and for our common

Berger, PEFC’s deputy secretary general and

objective of promoting sustainable forest

head of technical unit, has taken over the role

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

06

of acting secretary general from beginning of January.

More at  www.pefc.org

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

Carbon negative.

Positive future.

At West Fraser (formerly known as Norbord) all our engineered wood panels have been certified as being net carbon negative. We lock up more carbon in our products than we emit making them, helping the UK construction sector comply with net zero targets.

uk.westfraser.com/carbon-negative

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Covers celebrates 175 years of trading with anniversary year events

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will

owned timber and builders’ merchant in the

celebrating it with our customers, staff and

be celebrating its 175th year of trading in

south of England.

suppliers. We are extremely proud to be part

2022 with a range of special events, offers

The 175th anniversary year marks an

of a company that is so rich in heritage and

and activities for its customers, staff and

important milestone for the company and to

intrinsically connected to the communities it

suppliers.

celebrate the occasion Covers will be hosting

serves.

The family run builders’ merchants,

a range of special events, competitions and

“We have come a long way since the early

which opened its first depot in Chichester,

discounts, including supplier demo days,

days, consistently investing in our depots,

West Sussex now operates from 14 different

exclusive offers and the chance to win some

vehicles and state-of-the-art timber machinery

locations across the south of England

top prizes such as televisions, iPads and gift

so we can offer unrivalled products and

supplying specialist timber services and

cards worth £175. In keeping with the spirit of

service to our trade and DIY customers. Covers

products to the building trade and for home

its mission to serve and support communities,

has grown due to a dedicated team of staff –

DIY.

Covers will also be making a variety of

many of whom have been with us for twenty

donations throughout the year to local

to forty years or more. We are excited for

was eventually joined by his son David in the

charities and community projects in honour of

our forthcoming programme of celebrations

1850s, the company has remained a family run

its anniversary.

and hope that our customers and suppliers

Originally founded by William Cover, who

business throughout after it was bought by

Rupert Green, chairman of Covers Timber

the Green family in the 1940s. Today, Covers

& Builders Merchants, said: “Our 175th year of

has more than 400 staff and its annual sales

trading is a huge landmark in the company’s

exceed £90 million. It is the leading family-

history, and we are absolutely delighted to be

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

08

will join us in wishing Covers a very happy anniversary.”

More at  www.coversmerchants.co.uk

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

James Latham picks up IJK Timber Group James Latham has strengthened its position in Northern Ireland with the acquisition of IJK Timber Group Ltd. Offering a comprehensive range of panel products, softwoods and hardwoods from two established sites, IJK is a division of Sarcon (No155) Limited and trades as IJK Timber and Northern Hardwood.

Whilst the companies have now become part of the Latham Group, they will continue to trade in the same way with no disruption to regular service. Former owners and Directors of the company Graham Knox and Peter Elwood will continue to run the business as part of the Latham management team. This is a strategic acquisition for James Latham to strengthen its business footing in the region and provides the platform along with an experienced team to provide an excellent ex-stock service for both existing and new customers from stocks held in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the acquisition, Nick Latham, chairman of James Latham, said: “We are delighted to have acquired IJK which will allow us to increase our panel product and timber offering in Northern Ireland.

We see a great opportunity to further grow and develop our products

customers with a wide variety of premium brand panel and timber

in the region, which will complement our Abbey Woods business in

products from its base in Northern Ireland. It is Lathams’ intention

the Republic of Ireland and the business we do into Ireland from our

to continue to develop this range of products to reflect customers

Leeds depot. We have known the IJK directors, Graham Knox and Peter

growing expectations and invest in facilities and services as we have in

Elwood, for many years, and are excited to be working with them and

other parts of the Business to attract a wider range of timber and panel

the whole IJK team and welcome them to the Latham family.”

customers across the whole of Ireland.

IJK can trace its roots back to 1799. Trading as IJK the company More at  www.lathamtimber.co.uk

has built up a successful business and enviable reputation, providing

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Image: Hufton & Crow

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Travis Perkins continues carbon reduction drive

Travis Perkins plc – the UK’s largest supplier of building materials –

the four-year duration of the contract, this would save an estimated

has announced that it has formally been accredited by the Science

54,600 tonnes of carbon compared to current levels; enough to power

Based Targets initiative (SBTi) who have recognised Travis Perkins’

80,000 homes.

commitments to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions.

Commenting on the news, CEO Nick Roberts said: “Achieving SBTi

The SBTi has formally recognised Travis Perkins’ plans to reduce its

recognition for our emissions targets is an important step forwards as

scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% before 2035 from a 2020 base year.

part of our broader sustainability plans. This adds great endorsement

The SBTi have also accredited the Group’s plans to reduce its total

and credibility to the work we will lead with both suppliers and

scope 3 emissions by 63% within the same timeframe. This means SBTi

customers to decarbonise our industry. The measures we have put in

has determined that all targets are in line with a 1.5°C trajectory.

place with regards to our fleet, the use of low-carbon technologies

Travis Perkins has committed to investing in its buildings to

and our estate are already having a tangible impact on our emissions,

continually improve energy efficiency, using low carbon, renewable

and I look forward to building on this positive momentum. As such, I

energy systems where possible, while also installing energy saving

am delighted to announce that we have moved to a 100% renewable

solutions such as utilising LED lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle

energy tariff for all of our UK operations, another key step forward as

charging points across the Group’s estate. Measures have also been put

part of our long-term sustainability plans.”

in place to optimise the Group’s 4,000-strong transport fleet by utilising

Drax chief commercial officer Paul Sheffield, added: “Climate

fleet management systems, transitioning to alternative fuels and

change is the biggest challenge the world faces and it’s essential that

adopting low carbon technology.

businesses play their part in addressing this crisis. Drax has a world-

Travis Perkins will also work with suppliers and customers to reduce

leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030 using bioenergy with

supply chain emissions, in particular in-use emissions from products sold

carbon capture and storage to permanently remove carbon dioxide

and the embodied carbon in products, as part of the broader Scope 3

from the atmosphere.

emissions commitment.

“Drax supplies 100% renewable electricity and the contract with

Alongside this SBTi accreditation, the Group also today announces

Travis Perkins is testament to the high level of service we provide,

that it has moved to a 100% renewable electricity tariff for all its UK

supporting businesses to reach their sustainability goals. We work in

based operations. The tariff, supplied by Drax, will see all Travis Perkins

partnership with our customers, creating tailored solutions that meet

businesses in the UK supplied with 100% renewable source electricity

their sustainability needs. As we look towards a post-Covid, green

across the total UK portfolio of almost 1,700 stores, branches and

recovery, it’s more important than ever for businesses to build back

offices nationwide.

better, helping the UK reach its net zero by 2050 goal.”

The renewable sources used to generate this electricity would More at  www.travisperkins.co.uk

typically consist of a mixture of biomass, wind and solar power, and over Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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Winter 2021-2022

FEATURE  PALLETS & PACKAGING

Rethinking Pallet Usage A new sustainable supply chain solution is set to transform delivery of building materials and change the way that timber pallets are used and distributed.

T

he UK construction sector uses over 18 million timber

The Pallet LOOP is a joint venture between Paul and Ryan Lewis

pallets per annum yet re-uses less than 10%. In

(formerly HLC Wood Products) and Scott Group – one of the UK’s

the construction industry, the lack of pallet re-use

leading pallet producers. Centred around the principles of ‘recover,

generates upwards of 250,000 tonnes of waste and

repair and reuse’, The Pallet LOOP aims to eliminate avoidable pallet

means a huge amount of timber is used unnecessarily. To create

waste in the construction sector by incentivising pallet returns via a

construction industry pallets, an estimated 6,000 acres of forestry

cost-effective, easy-to-use, deposit-based system.

are harvested every year, with a further 236,000 acres grown to

Estimates suggest that up to 10% of the construction waste stream

cater for future demand. This is to feed a linear packaging model

is pallets, which is costly from both a financial and an environmental

that is outdated and needs to change as UK construction works to

perspective. Widespread adoption of The Pallet LOOP across the

achieve ambitious net zero targets.

construction sector will greatly reduce the burden that pallet production currently places on the environment and our forests –

Change is coming in the launch of The Pallet LOOP™ - the sector’s first ever circular economy, carbon net zero, pallet reuse scheme that

achieving approximately 40% less CO2 emissions and an estimated up

will enable the recovery, repair and re-use of millions of pallets across

to 75% reduction in timber usage.

the UK construction sector. Designed as a net carbon zero model, The How does The Pallet LOOP work?

Pallet LOOP will also support the industry in its bid to achieve zero

At the heart of The Pallet LOOP is a range of distinctive, green,

avoidable waste. Rather than being cost engineered, LOOP’s distinctive

100% FSC LOOP pallets, which are different by design. Manufactured

green pallets are designed and built for multiple trips.

with durability in mind, with an ISO14040 compliant LCA, LOOP pallets

Built with durability in mind, they are made from 100% FSC certified wood, have an ISO 14040 compliant LCA, and are, on average,100%

will be distributed to building materials manufacturers, which can use

stronger than standard pallets used in the construction

them to transport products to builders’ merchants and construction sites nationwide. Building material manufacturers will pay a deposit per pallet

Industry. Trials of The Pallet LOOP recovery service took place in October 2021 across the UK with several principal contractors

(along with a separate issue fee that the manufacturer absorbs in much

and is timetabled for operational roll out in 2022. Delivering a more

the same way they do today with a packaging charge) to The Pallet LOOP. As the pallets move through the supply chain, the deposit will pass

sustainable pallet distribution model, which is greener and leaner, the scheme is aligned with environmental targets set for the sector by UK

from manufacturer to merchant to end user. Once materials reach their

Government, and the growing desire and need for businesses to adopt

final destination, pallets can be stacked and stored ready for collection

circular economy practices that are more environmentally friendly.

by The Pallet LOOP, which has a dedicated recovery infrastructure

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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

INNOVATIVE wood protection technologies

Tanalith™ high pressure wood preservative • Ideal for building, cladding, decking, fencing and leisure wood applications.

• Unique combination of copper and organic biocides.

• Incorporates award winning BARamine™ application technology, providing a greater penetration and distribution of Tanalith™ preservative into the timbers.

Vacsol™ low pressure wood preservative • Metal free and VOC free.

• Suitable for Use Class 1, 2 and 3 (coated) joinery and construction timbers.

• Contains advanced BPR approved biocides that allow minimum levels of ingredients to be used with maximum effect.

• Treated timber can be re-used or recycled - check local waste regulations, which can vary.

Tanasote™ oil based wood preservative • Designed for high performance timbers, such as railway sleepers and utility poles.

• Incorporates an innovative organic co-biocide to protect against a wide spectrum of aggressive decay fungi.

• Formulated to deliver a service life of 40 years plus*, whilst minimising the risk of early failures.

THESE WOOD PRESERVATIVES ARE BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS REGULATION (BPR) AUTHORISED. The BPR process involves passing stringent risk assessments, including data on the impact to humans, animals and the environment.

w: trusttreatedtimber.com e: timberprotectionadvice.ukca@arxada.com

*Service life requirements can vary depending on commodity, desired service life, timber species and application.

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 @Timber_Media

Tanalith™ E 8000/9000, Vacsol™ Aqua 6118 and Tanasote™ S40 are BPR authorised products. Use wood preservatives safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

FEATURE  PALLETS & PACKAGING

The Pallet LOOP team - pictured left to right: Phil Dent, CEO; Steve Ottaway, chief operating officer; Paul Lewis, founder; Nathan Wride, head of partnerships & innovation; and Charlie Law, head of contractor engagement

in place. Pallet collection is simple, and users will be able to book a

eight core designs could accommodate up to 75% of building materials

pick-up slot via phone or online. Once a collection is booked, pallets

being moved within the UK construction sector. Easy to identify,

will be picked up from as little as 72 hours later – reducing site clutter.

the distinctive green LOOP pallets all follow a standardised design

Deposits are then repaid, in full, to the end-user.

that makes them safer to move, manage and stack, and which helps

Paul Lewis, Founder of The Pallet LOOP, said: “As a business

maximise lorry distribution capacity.

we’re committed to reducing the impact on the planet that comes

“As committed innovators, we’re delighted to introduce The Pallet

from pallet use in the construction industry supply chain. We aim to

LOOP to our range of industry-leading, sustainable pallet solution,” added

sustainably manage and reduce the cost of pallets for our customers

Norman Scott, Owner / Group Operations Director at Scott Group, adds

– making palletised logistics greener and leaner. At present, many

The Pallet LOOP is a member of the UK Green Building Council

pallets circulating in the sector are designed for single use. The current

(UKGBC) and the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF). The Pallet LOOP

industry specification for pallets works on the assumption that they will

also has Construct Zero Business Champion status and is committed

be scrapped or skipped once they reach their final destination.

to helping the UK construction industry cut its consumption of timber,

“We’re turning this outdated, inefficient and linear practice on

improve its sustainability credentials, and increase its contribution to

its head. In a step-change for the sector, we’ve developed a range of

the nation’s zero waste and zero carbon ambitions.

standardised pallets, engineered to last and to be used again and again.

More at  www.thepalletloop.com

Adoption of The Pallet LOOP requires a shift in mindset from ‘deliver, distribute, discard’ to ‘recover, repair and reuse’ – but we’re confident the time is right, and that the UK construction industry is ready to embrace this transformational shift towards a circular solution. This is evidenced by the number of companies that have stepped forward to welcome our launch, sign our charter, and investigate how The Pallet LOOP might work for them. The last eighteen months have challenged us all to adopt new ways of working. Throughout the pandemic, the phrase ‘build back better’ has been widely used and several new initiatives have launched with leading industry players stating their commitment to a clean recovery.”

Initially, The Pallet Loop™ has created a suite of pallet designs for the distribution of different building materials. It is estimated that Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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RACKING SYSTEMS DESIGN | MANUFACTURE | INSTALLATION Wickens is one of the largest manufacturers of specialised heavy duty storage solutions in the UK with over 40 years’ experience in the market. Our robust and reliable racking systems can help improve your site operation in the most cost-effective way.

We offer a full Project Management service from the initial site survey, manufacture and installation to annual racking inspections and replacement parts.

WWW.WICKENS.CO.UK

01905 456780

|

sales@wickens.co.uk

PROUD MEMBER

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FEATURE  PACKAGING & LOGISTICS

Keep it Wrapped As the leading sustainable building material, timber should also be looking to be packaged in the most sustainable way possible. Two leading timber suppliers have adopted Trioworld Loop packaging in the fight against plastic.

P

ackaging is never more sustainable than its ability to

with the forest and sawmill industry,” says Daniel Majgren, commercial

do its primary purpose. If the timber is not protected

director, Forest Industry at Trioworld. “This is the only way we can

or transport security is compromised, the offset of

achieve the highest level of safety and product protection while

sustainable packaging is damaged. The Loop solution is

pushing the amount of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material into

developed specifically for the forest and timber industry, securing the

the packaging. We are always developing our products with the

protection of the products from outdoor exposure and keeping people

environment in mind, and our product development is experts in doing

and cargo safe during handling and transport.

so without compromising on quality.”

One recent adoptee is Moelven, with Rune F. Andersen, director –

The film that protects the wood must meet very high standards, which can sometimes be a challenge when recycled plastic is being

group finance & sustainability, saying: “We continue to focus on finding

added to the mix. Nevertheless, with Trioworld Loop-50 solution, which

new more sustainable alternatives and using a type of packaging that

contains 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, the quality can keep up

contains 50% recycled plastic and still fulfils our quality requirements is

with the many industry demands.

a great step in the right direction.”

By using PCR material, waste and carbon emissions are reduced

Trioworld was founded in 1965 and develops innovative and sustainable polyethylene film products. The company is one of the leading players in the

with additional added incentive to collect and reuse, resulting in

segment with sales of SEK5.5 billion and 1,200 employees. The Group’s head

circularity – a responsible way to save resources and prevent valuable

office is in Sweden, with production in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands

waste materials from ending up damaging the environment.

Södra has also taken this on board and is further investing in circular

and France. The products are sold on the global market.

solutions to reduce its carbon footprint. Now implementing Loop

“Trioworld is very ambitious in terms of sustainable innovation –

packaging specifically made for the forest industry with 30% recycled

but more importantly, our products are developed for and together Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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FEATURE  PACKAGING & LOGISTICS

material, resulting in a 23% lower carbon footprint compared to virgin-material-based packaging.

Södra is a forest industry group that processes the forest products delivered by its 53,000 owners into renewable, climate-smart products for international export.

“With the new packaging, we ensure high quality to our customers and at the same time take a new step towards a more circular business with lower emissions, says Andreas Jonasson, sales & marketing director at Södra Wood. “This is a development we will continue to drive forward. On the challenges with sustainability, there is no finish line to pass and we are constantly working to be the market leader and develop our processes. The Trioworld Loop packaging helps Södra and our

protection against contamination, moisture, and as cover for felling

customers to contribute to a sustainable climate transition.”

residues,” adds Andreas Jonasson. “Moreover, we guarantee a strong

From September 2021 Södra was planning to use Trioworld Loop

packaging material that protects the products during transportation

packaging on their products that consists of at least 30 percent recycled

and storage. Together with our knowledge of recycled polyethylene, we

material.

strive to push the boundaries for more sustainable solutions without

The new packaging solution based on recycled material builds

compromising on performance.”

on a long partnership between Trioworld and Södra. “With great More at  www.trioworld.com

knowledge of the forest industry, we know the importance of effective

 Ahlmark Shipping (UK) LTD has signed a new 10-year deal with Associated British Ports (ABP) demonstrating that the timber market remains resilient.

Ahlmark Shipping has a dedicated terminal at the Port of Hull where they offer stevedoring, warehousing, ships agency and Customs Clearance services. Ahlmark Lines was one of the first shipping lines to move Swedish timber through Hull and has been regularly calling at the port for almost 40 years, helping to make Hull one of the largest UK ports for sawn timber imports. Ahlmark’s fleet sees the company ship 30% of Swedish timber to the UK. Simon Bird, Director at ABP Humber, said: “This new deal with Ahlmark highlights that ABP remains a valuable and trusted partner for timber imports and exports in

Head of policy, communications and economic development for ABP Humber, Dafydd Williams with managing director at Ahlmark Shipping (UK) Ltd, Tim Hollands

the Humber. The Humber Ports afford many businesses an opportunity for growth, and

the Port of Hull by Ahlmark Lines, a long-

handling volumes on weekly sailings from

ABP is committed to investing in its services

term relationship that now includes regular

Kristinehamn, fortnightly sailings from East

and infrastructure to aid that.”

liner services to the ABP East Coast Ports

Coast ports of Skelleftehamn and Iggesund

of Immingham, Grimsby and Kings Lynn.

and monthly services from Domsjo, Gruvon

Ahlmark Shipping (UK) Ltd, added: “This

With the support of ABP, Ahlmark Shipping

and Ala.”

agreement highlights the continued

(UK) Ltd is in a strong position to develop

commitment to the timber industry and to

business through the Hull terminal, directly

Tim Hollands, Managing Director at

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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COVER STORY  LANDGUARD POINT

Promoting Greener Construction Landguard Point supplies timber and pioneering eco-friendly alternatives to the UK construction industry that point the way to a greener future – this now includes its Rebo Bamboo Division.

A

t the end of last year, the UK hosted the 26th UN

as hardness and durability, anti-flammable properties and corrosive

Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in

resistance. Not only do these highly important and desirable benefits

Glasgow. The COP26 summit brought parties together

emerge from the process, but also the ability to produce an elegant

to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris

and attractive product. Meaning it can play an important role in both

Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

commercial and domestic design in many ways.

However, it is bamboo in its natural form which is of interest in

Timber and forests played an important part in the summit’s discussions, with deforestation playing a significant part in mitigation

the fight against climate change. Bamboo has one big difference to

plans against global warming. Timber offers a natural sink for carbon

timber products. Where timber products are derived from tree species,

emissions whilst also emitting oxygen to the atmosphere. This means TIMBER IMPORTER sustainableTRUSTED practice isBRITISH of inherent importance globally. Fortunately,

bamboo is of the grass family. Grasses offer much faster growing rates,

in Europe we are already conscious of this, and have the practices and

only means that it is highly regenerative, but also offers huge potential

commissions in place to ensure we operate in a sustainable manner.

as a carbon sink. One study estimates that a one-hectare plantation of

with some species potentially growing up to a metre daily. This not

bamboo and its products could store over 306 tonnes of carbon over a

FSC and PEFC are organisations in place managing the

60-year period compared with 178 tonnes

chain of custody of timber products globally, meaning

for softwood tree species. A 42%

there are traceable chains from the beginning

difference in absorption rates.

to end, meaning these practices can be monitored and maintained effectively.

By using bamboo we can

However, as an industry this does not

help in the fight against climate change. As well as

mean innovation and exploration for

absorbing and storing

change should be disregarded.

carbon, bamboo

Landguard Point, a leading UK timber importing company

products can ‘avoid’

are pioneering the introduction

the carbon produced by more emissions-

of bamboo products as an

intensive materials. Research

alternative to traditional timbers imported to the UK. They have

conducted on European

partnered with Rebo Bamboo, a

industrial bamboo products, such as cladding, flooring and

company based in China who through their innovation, have developed methods

beams, has shown that they have a low or even negative eco-

allowing bamboo to become a genuine alternative to many

cost, over the course of their lifecycle, outperforming even

timber products on the market.

FSC-certified hardwoods, and can be used as replacements for steel and concrete.

They have developed carbonisation procedures, which

This durability is critical to realising bamboo’s carbon

involves heating up the natural product. This process enhances

storage potential, according to researcher Pablo van der

natural characteristics, whilst also introducing elements such Timber Trader UK Magazine

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COVER STORY  LANDGUARD POINT

Lugt, saying: “As the interest in a bio-based, low-carbon economy grows, we are seeing new opportunities open up for engineered bamboo products to substitute high-carbon, abiotic alternatives – and not just for architectural solutions indoors and outdoors, but also new heavy-duty applications.”

In 2020 Landguard Point introduced decking and cladding options to the merchant market,

TRUSTED BRITISH TIMBER IMPORTER

with beams and boards following in 2021. Initial customer interactions have found interest

“Landguard Point, a leading UK timber importing company are pioneering the introduction of bamboo products as an alternative to traditional timbers imported to the UK.”

in the domestic market used for renovation and landscaping projects. Throughout 2022 Landguard Point hope to enter the commercial and construction

All products are available certified, such as graded carcassing, roofing

markets, as awareness and knowledge of the benefits of bamboo can

battens, agricultural products and sawn landscaping products.

play in UK developments.

Recent years have seen Landguard Point establish themselves

Our future is at important crossroads, where our considerations

as significant importers within the UK timber market. This is evident

and choices now play integral roles in what happens in the years and

within the construction timber market, with many of the UK’s largest

decades to come.

merchants with open accounts with the company. Landguard Point

It is also important to reflect on existing efforts made within the

have recently become a category 1 sponsor of MRUK (master roofers).

industry. Landguard Point Ltd as well as many other importers and

This is an organisation dedicated to improving the standard of roofing

suppliers throughout the UK operate in sustainably. FSC, PEFC and

over the country by offering high level training and education, skill

other organisations ensure all timber is traceable. Yearly audits and spot

developing and certification, Key skill resources and support as well as

checks allow control of these measures to be regulated and monitored.

relevant information for new developments, legislation and changes to

The FSC network alone certifies over 230 million hectares of forests

policy. Landguard recognise this is a key organisation for the industry,

around the world. These organisations are critical and essential parts of

as tradesmen in all fields play integral roles in the timber industry and

ensuring a sustainable future for our industry and that ‘Forests for all

construction sectors sustainability and future.

Forever.”

The last two years have seen difficult times for everyone. This was

Using timber in construction, often in conjunction with steel, is

especially the case for those involved in the timber sector. Product

an alternative that can be implemented now. Used in construction

availability, price fluctuations, transport difficulties and the challenges

for centuries, well designed buildings using timber have much lower

and issues caused by Covid-19 with staff and operation management

embodied carbon. In addition, timber acts as a carbon store because

all caused problems. However, through these hard times the timber

trees absorb a significant amount of carbon as they grow and store it

industry finds itself in a stronger position than ever. This is due to the

for the life of the material. The longer the timber is in use, the greater

efforts, communication and togetherness by all involved in the supply

the environmental benefit of storing the carbon. Therefore, selecting

chain from the forest to the building site.

high quality solutions and designing the building to last is important to

2022 offers a year of change and growth for many businesses, with

maximise the impact.

Landguard Point looking to expand this year. Plans are in place for new

Landguard Point has set up reputable supply networks throughout

facilities, operations and staff development, allowing the company to

Europe ensuring all sawmills and suppliers follow strict protocols in

continue to reach their growth targets and ensure their position in the

their operations and co-operation with the FLEGT Action plan. Many

market for many years to come.

of these relationships have been established for over a decade, More at  www.landguardpoint.co.uk

designed around basic principles of sustainability and ethical practice.

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FEATURE  THE BIG INTERVIEW

Support Network

As head of one of the leading heavy duty racking manufacturers in the UK, we spoke to Steve Wickens, managing director at Wickens Engineering about being a market leader in a busy warehousing environment.

W

ickens Engineering was founded by Steve’s father,

employed. At Wickens, racking safety is paramount and with the

Bob Wickens in 1978 and now employs almost fifty

product, quality is unquestionably a key to our business.”

loyal and highly skilled staff and have supplied around

“Key aspects to be considered when storing timber include ease

twenty thousand cantilever racking orders along with a

of access to ensure good stock rotation; robust storage systems to

similar number of bespoke storage solutions over the last 40 years.

prevent handling damage; packs of timber are well supported and at

“We pride ourselves on supplying high-quality products supported

the correct centres to prevent warping; prevention of sun damage or discoloration; prevention of water damage.”

by first class customer service,” says Steve. “In turn, this means that

Cantilever racking and rack clad buildings are ideal for timber products

we have frequent repeat orders from customers, many of whom have traded with us for a very long time. As a customer focused business,

– for the how do these different types of systems operate? “Cantilever

this company-wide culture ensures the very best experience for our

racking is an open-fronted system, which is ideal for the storage of long and

customers from initial enquiry through to installation, thus removing

heavy timber packs. As there are no upright sections restricting access at the

the worry element from the important investment they are making.”

front, cantilever racks allow storage capacity to be maximised as packs of various lengths can be stored side by side. Adding a roof canopy offers some

The most important aspect of any storage system is to make the best

protection from both sun and rain, but this is limited unless full cover is given.

use of the space available and give the customer improved efficiencies

“A rack clad building is a fully-enclosed storage building where the

through reduced handling of products – how is this achieved?

racking uprights form the structural frame of the building. The uprights

“You must first understand what the customer needs – not what we are going to sell, says Steve. “Asking the right questions and developing a

support the roof structure which can be fitted with rainwater goods.

solution that works for the customer is our priority. Once we understand

Purlins and conventional cladding are fitted on all sides, along with roller

the requirements, we can then complete a structural design and propose a

shutter doors and pedestrian access to form an enclosed structure.

solution. Often the costing stage is at the tail end of the process, when we are

“A rack clad building project can potentially require much more

sure that the customer is getting the racking design that works best for them.

planning and consideration due to complexity of the project, but it can be erected in as little as 12 weeks from order. This solution is much

“A reliable storage system’s design is based on structural calculations to ensure that the system is robust and suitable for the

quicker and cheaper than a conventional building that can typically take

application. The quality then depends on the manufacturing processes

up to a year to complete. Such a building is fully modular and can be

and control systems, as well as the quality of steel and the finish

extended later or moved to a new location altogether.

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FEATURE  THE BIG INTERVIEW

Health and safety are of paramount importance in a warehousing environment, with many considerations to bear in mind when installing a system beyond the basics of ensuring that the racking can support the loads that are going to be stored upon it. To cater for a range of applications, Wickens design criteria are among the strictest in the industry.

“When comparing like for like designs, our systems would often use the heaviest sections,”

A complete rack clad building

says Steven. “Both our design and manufacture comply with the latest CE standards which are now a legal requirement

“We saw the storage market slowing down briefly due to uncertainty,

and ensures that our welding is inspected and fit for purpose. Much of

which was then followed by a strong recovery,” continues Steven. “The

the welding is now carried out by robots, which ensures first class welds

timber sector has been particularly strong due to the high domestic

are consistently achieved.

demand during lockdown and the need for timber companies to increase

“Installation is just as important. Ideally, it will be carried out by SEIRS

their organisation and efficiency. They no longer have the time to move

qualified installers, and it is critical that method statements are followed

materials to access a different item, as time costs money, so there is much

closely. Failure to correctly install diagonal bracing, for example can

more appreciation of the longer-term benefit of cantilever racking.”

have dangerous consequences. Load labels should always be fitted to

As we start a new year, what market/business developments and changes

clearly show the weight carrying capacities of each arm, but what is often

does Wickens have in the pipeline for the coming year? “We are looking

omitted is the training of the forklift operators, so that they understand

forward to 2022 with a great deal of optimism,” says Steven. “There are a lot

the loads that they are handling and how these apply to the racking

of improvement projects planned for the coming year and we are continuing

system. As with any other product of a similar nature, racking requires

to invest in our product development, machinery, facilities and, of course, our

some safety maintenance. Rack inspections should take place on a

staff. All these improvements will help us to manufacture our products more

regular basis and any damaged components identified must be replaced.”

efficiently and refine our processes to offer improved customer service at all

Warehousing and storage have become a hot topic lately and

stages of a project. Our focus is always on ensuring our customers find us easy

racking is seen as one of the ultimate solutions for increasing the

and enjoyable to deal with. We do believe that the future is bright, and we

stock volume without expanding the site or moving to new premises.

would like to positively contribute to the success of other UK businesses, so we

The impact of Covid-19 and Brexit have brought unique pressures to

are all focused on working hard to make it happen.”

all aspects of society and business and adding challenges with stock More at  www.wickens.co.uk

supplies for many industries.

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FEATURE  MATERIAL SUPPLY

New Factors Driving Commercial Forestry Value According to the UK Forest Market Report 2021, the forestry market saw a recordbreaking year, with average values more than double what they were three years ago and the total value of the forestry investment market reaching a new high.

T

he annual report, produced by John Clegg & Co and

 Key findings

Tilhill, is now in its 23rd year and is regarded as the most comprehensive publicly available record of forestry transactions in the UK. This year it highlighted

•

21% increase in forestry values from just under £16,000 per

that the sector is attracting unprecedented levels of interest

stocked hectare in 2020 to £19,300 per stocked hectare

from commercial forestry buyers and financial institutions. Some

in 2021. However, the spread in prices paid is wide, with

are experienced forestry investors, but others are new market

significant geographic and quality variations

entrants with multiple objectives – part financial and part related

•

to environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations or

The total value of the forestry market was £200.4 million in 2021 (just over the £200.18 million in 2020), with 70

natural capital outcomes.

planting land deals also struck worth £53 million.

The report shows that in 2021 a total of £200.4 million of forestry

•

properties were traded, making it another record year for the sector.

10,400ha (gross) of forestry traded in 2021 (67 forests), compared with 12,500ha in 2020.

This year it includes a new section on the market for planting land,

•

which shows an additional £53 million worth of land suitable for

Decrease in average size of a property sold from 206ha in 2020 to 155ha this year.

afforestation transacted, plus £26 million worth of natural capital land.

•

Peter Chappell, head of forestry investment, Tilhill said: “It is

Scotland provided largest share of commercial forest market at 76% by value.

an exciting time to be in the forestry sector. The positive long-term outlook for timber values has buoyed confidence in how commercial forests can perform as an investment and the wider benefits of trees and woodland to society and the environment are being increasingly recognised. The growth in the value of an average stocked hectare has continued unabated, rising 21% this year. This means over the past three years, values have risen from £9,300 in 2018 to £19,300 in 2021.

“The report also highlights how the trend of younger forests achieving the highest unit values has continued into 2021. This shows investor confidence in timber values, and the fact that younger, second-



rotation forests tend to be characterised by high yielding, improved Timber Trader UK Magazine

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ADVERTORIAL  DALTONS WADKIN

Covers Timber Invest in Salvador Crosscut Technology from Daltons Wadkin Salvador SuperPush 250 automatic crosscut saw

The installation of a Salvador SuperPush 250 chain fed automatic crosscut saw has allowed Covers Timber and Building Merchants to keep pace with increasing production demands and provide flexibility in staffing within their feeder mills.

H

aving supplied timber and building materials across the

The Salvador SuperPush 250 is a programmable crosscut saw capable of

South East for over 175 years, Covers now boast some

processing up to 130 cubic metres of timber per shift. Up to 7 infeed loading

fifteen branches with an extensive range of over 25,000

chains ensure the machine is continually fed with individual or stacked

product lines. Wanting to satisfy growing customer

work pieces while the outfeed collection area is automatically cleared for

demand Product Manager, Peter Openshaw, saw an opportunity to help

uninterrupted production.

push themselves ahead of the competition.

Covers investment in a Salvador has given them flexibility in staffing which

“We are fortunate that we have highly-skilled sales people, excellent

in turn has positively affected growth. Peter is keen to point out the benefits

production cability and a very positive attitude being open to new

from a production point of view, “Automatic machinery cuts down on the labour

opportunities”, comments Peter. “Our ability to source most things and

required to carry out particular jobs. We have found it difficult to recruit recently

improvise and adapt ourselves to reflect our changing market helps us

and anything that reduces the need for labour helps with this problem”.

achieve strong performance results. Our competitors are very good indeed

Turnkey delivery and commissioning was provided for Covers, expertly

so this pushes us to try even harder.”

managed by the Daltons Wadkin project installation team. “We have a dedicated

Following a thorough investigation of available crosscut saws on the

group of engineers within our service department whose sole focus is on

market, Peter contacted Daltons Wadkin, sole distributors for Salvador in the

delivering a frictionless installation and dedicated ongoing support when

UK and Ireland. “Peters requirements were very familiar – we have helped

required”, comments Andy. “We go to extreme lengths to ensure all our

dozens of timber merchants with similar projects and I knew immediately we

customers receive the best possible service for the life of the machine.”

had the right solution”, enthuses Daltons Wadkin Sales Director, Andy Walsh.

“For high production crosscutting the Salvador SuperPush range is ideal;

For more information on the Salvador range of crosscut saws,

automatic push infeed, cutting list optimisation, heavy duty construction;

contact Daltons Wadkin on 0115 986 5201, email

easy to use”.

 info@daltonswadkin.com or visit  www.daltonswadkin.com

The Salvador SuperPush 250 is equipped with chain infeed loading

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Automatic outfeed collection allows the machine to operate uninterrupted

Winter 2021-2022

23

Covers Product Manager Peter Openshaw

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  MATERIAL SUPPLY

varieties of Sitka spruce, with proven timber extraction and a developed infrastructure.

There is also some evidence that larger forests over 100ha are now attracting the highest per hectare values as an increasingly competitive market develops for high value deals.”

Edward Daniels, head of forestry at John Clegg & Co, adds: “2020 was an extraordinary 12 months in the forestry sector, but 2021 has more than matched it. Timber prices have remained high, plantation values are breaking new records and large institutional investors such as pension funds and other new entrants are allocating more capital to sustainable investments than ever before.

“Forests are seen as critical to growing the UK’s low carbon economy, which is why, alongside ESG and natural capital factors, companies and funds are so keen to invest.

While there are those who would argue that rising values are a result of short-term supply and demand dynamics, it is our belief that the underlying worth of commercial forests is increasing because of the positive long-term outlook for timber prices, carbon income and other ecosystem services payments. The signs are extremely positive for the woodland and forestry sector with further growth in forestry values a real possibility.”

Planting land It is the first year that the report examines the dynamics of the market for planting land, although interpreting trends is not without its challenges. Although land can be tracked that is thought, overall, suitable for afforestation, it is not always known if woodland creation

“Forests are seen as critical to growing the UK’s low carbon economy, which is why, alongside ESG and natural capital factors, companies and funds are so keen to invest.”

will be the final land use. However, it is estimated that the total area of planting land purchased has risen from 4,460ha in 2020 to

Edward Daniels, head of forestry at John Clegg & Co

6,480ha in 2021.

By tracking 70 planting land deals across Scotland, England and Wales in 2021,

£7 million of the 2021 UK sale total of £10.7

Abrdn, who writes about how the business

compared with 33 in 2020, the average price

million. The average price in England in 2021

is committing capital to ‘nature-based

per gross hectare was £8,500, up from £6,200/

was £6,170 per acre, up from £5,330 in 2020.

solutions’ which will help to tackle climate

ha in 2020. This equates to a figure of £11,000

However, average values do mask a huge

change. An Abrdn-managed fund has already

per plantable hectare in 2021.

variation in values – the range in prices being

bought an area of about 1,400 hectares in

paid in England during 2021 was £2,000 to

the Cairngorms National Park where large-

£11,400 per acre. Mixed woodlands of less

scale native woodland creation and peatland

than 10 hectares are not covered by the

restoration will take place.

Mixed woodlands The UK Forest Market Report also tracks transactions for mixed woodland sales over 10

report so the figures are not overly skewed

hectares in size. Broadleaved woodlands can

by the sale of very small blocks of woodland,

The UK Forest Market Report has been

vary greatly in value with location, look and feel

which in the right locations command a

produced since 1988 and the data series

being significant factors, making it a far more

significant price premium.

now covers 23 years, incorporating 1,909

subjective market than commercial forestry.

This year’s report also includes an article

transactions which total some £1.6 billion and 299,000 stocked hectares.

Values have continued to rise in 2021,

exploring the factors influencing prices for

with demand outstripping supply in what is a

woodland carbon, now and into the future.

small, but strong, market. England dominates

The report carries a guest contribution

More at  www.johnclegg.co.uk

the mixed woodland market accounting for

from Stuart Dobrijevic, asset manager for

 www.tilhill.com

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

24

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

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Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  MATERIAL SUPPLY

Positive Year Ahead Expected The recent statement from the Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability Working Group, painted a positive picture for the supply of building materials including timber at the start of 2022.

T

he regular update that is jointly prepared by John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, that co-chair the Product Availability working group sees: “An improvement in

the supply situation across all regions in the UK, which has taken some pressure off prices. However, this is largely due to a seasonal decline in activity. While much has been done to ameliorate the issues seen earlier in the year, there remain challenges in relation to UK production capacity for some products, and in relation to the operation of the logistics and shipping sectors.

“We anticipate the return of pressure on supply chains to deliver products as construction activity remains strong next year, with longer lead times and further price increases anticipated. Furthermore, despite precautions being taken at merchants and manufacturers, the rapid increase in cases of Omicron is likely to impact production and operations into the New Year.

Pressures on global shipping, including delays and volatile prices,

“The uncertainty around delivery and price has a disproportionate

look set to continue well into 2022. In addition to ongoing disruption

impact on SME builders working mainly on domestic repair,

stemming from China’s sustained ‘zero’ policy regarding Covid-19

maintenance and improvement projects, where clients want price

outbreaks, performance issues at Felixstowe have led some major

certainty before the project begins. It is, therefore, essential to

shipping lines to divert vessels headed there from Asia to other, smaller

maintain open lines of communication throughout the supply chain. We

ports in the UK.

encourage all sectors to continue to work closely and collaboratively to

The logistics sector reports recent progress with government

manage challenges and plan future work.

providing additional training opportunities and grants to get more

Current and future challenges include supplies of many timber

HGV drivers on the roads. With driver wage increases and flexibility in

products have returning to more normal levels and prices have fallen from

working making the industry more attractive, we are hopeful that driver

highs, particularly for structural timber, however tongue & groove remains

shortages will have less impact on our sector in 2022.

in short supply. Continuing congestion both here and at Scandinavian ports More at  www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk

may lead to reduced supplies and higher prices in Q1 2022.

 Pricing Timber – a Supplier’s view Nuneaton Roof Truss sales director, Josh

inflation and wider market costs making

quarter with pricing beginning to reduce

McEwan has many reasons to be cheerful

trading challenging. However, for all the

through Q1 and then into Q2 Q3, which is

about the way the timber sector is

predicted doom and gloom we believe

great news for the industry and the timber,

heading in 2022.

that simply is not the case. Yes, prices are

housebuilding, and construction firms.

With global production and stock levels

higher than they were 2 years ago and

With construction project margins

at an all-time low, supply chains bottlenecks,

there are many factors as to why however,

further squeezed we are committed to

plus labour, resources and skills shortages

innovation, smarter working practices,

supporting our partners in challenging times

mounting, combined with the challenges of

new technologies and processes enable us

and can ensure we are doing everything

Brexit and the globally increased demand for

to counterbalance cost by driving greater

we can do to secure the best possible price

materials there are seemly dark days ahead

efficiencies and speed.

driven by innovation and industry know-how.

with endless rises on the horizon.

As the market and Covid-19 pressures

Our team is committed to supporting our

ease, analysts predict production levels

customers to come out of this stronger than

have been trading for over 20 years and

across Europe, the US and Canada will begin

ever before and we look forward to what

in that time, we have seen the market

to normalise as will global supply chains

the future holds together.

change exponentially with the price of raw

into 2022. The market sees timber stocks

materials rising year on year, increased

returning to usual standards within the first

Here at Nuneaton Roof Truss, we

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

26

More at  www.nuneatonrooftruss.co.uk

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  CLADDING

External Timber Cladding: size does matter The Timber Decking & Cladding Association (TDCA) focus this year is around highlighting the key information that those buying, selling and using external timber cladding should be aware of.

A

specific subject is the size of cladding

which contains guidance on other profile styles

profiles, specifically tongue and groove

including rectangular, shiplap, parallelogram and

(T&G) which is an interlocking system

THE TIMB ER CLAD DING

where size matters most. According to

for specifiers, buyers and

BS8605 – External Timber Cladding Part 1: Method of

HAND BOOK installers

featheredge.

The TDCA website is a useful resource for all things timber cladding related. You can also download

Specifying, for medium movement timbers such as

our External Timber Cladding Handbook – produced in

Siberian larch, the profile width for a T&G board is

partnership with the Timber Trade Federation and peer

restricted to a maximum of 125mm.

reviewed by Dr Ivor Davies (author of BS8605 and the

Further guidance on tongue dimensions and

forthcoming new version of the TRADA External Timber

movement gaps is provided with bigger gaps and

Cladding Manual). The 48-page publication provides

tongues being required for wider boards; at 125mm

clear, summarised and illustrated guidance.

wide board the standard states a minimum movement

For those looking for added assurances of quality,

gap (mg) of 4mm, tongue width (tw) at least 15mm

the TDCA operates the CladMark quality accreditation

and thickness (tt) at least 7.5mm. General width to

schemes which cover products, suppliers and

thickness ratio for all profiles is between 4:1 and 6:1.

installers. They provide audited verification of compliance with good

By allowing for the natural movement of the timber mitigates

manufacturing practices and sound installation techniques trusted by

problems arising, tongues don’t become disengaged or crushed and the

the TDCA and the wider industry.

cladding stays secured to the wall – so long as the correct fasteners are The Timber Cladding Handbook is available as a free pdf download

used, but that is a topic for another day!

with a printed version available for £12 (inc p&p).

Every cladding company should have an up-to-date copy of BS8605

More at  www.tdca.org.uk/publications

UN, DES SENS design global - www.un-des-sens.com Photo ©Métalobil - MOA : Tolefi Promotion - Architecte : Forma6

(it may be updated in a year or so but remains a relevant document)

© 2 021

NEXT EDITION

@carrefourdubois #cib2022

FOLLOW US Organised by:

With the support of: INTERPROFESSION NATIONALE

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  NET ZERO ROADMAP

No Time to Slow Down

Timber was championed as the world’s leading sustainable building material at COP26 last year but what were the main outcomes and lessons learned from the event?

T

he key driver of the COP26 event was agreeing the global route to secure the 2050 net zero targets. As part of this important on-going aim, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) officially launched its Net

Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap in December 2021, which provides a summary of where we are now and what needs to happen to reach those 2050 targets.

The Roadmap details the necessary actions government and industry must take to achieve net zero across the sector. The built environment is directly responsible for 25% of the total UK carbon footprint, and therefore has a critical role to play in the national transition to net zero. Co-created by industry with over 100 Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC said: “After all the talk,

organisations contributing, the Roadmap provides a shared vision and set of actions for achieving a net zero UK built environment by 2050,

it’s time for action. The UK Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy

in relation to construction, operation and demolition of buildings and

is a step in the right direction but fails to address several key priorities

infrastructure.

that this analysis clearly demonstrates are non-negotiable to achieving a net-zero carbon built environment by 2050. The Net Zero Whole Life

The Roadmap quantifies, for the first time, the specific emission reductions across sub-sectors of the built environment that will need

Carbon Roadmap pulls together disparate strands of recent policy and

to take place year-on-year to meet the 2050 deadline. The analysis

action into one coherent pathway, with clear recommendations for

includes not only domestic emissions, but emissions related to the

National Government and Local Authorities, as well as the private sector

consumption of imported construction products and materials. The

and the wider industry. We urge policy-makers and industry to embed

Roadmap establishes a net zero emissions budget and trajectory to

these recommendations into policies and strategies to make good on

2050, consistent with wider UK carbon targets and budgets as set-out

the promises and commitments of COP26.”

The Roadmap sets out policy recommendations for central and

by the Climate Change Committee (CCC), enabling government and the UK built environment to benchmark progress over the coming years

local governments to help drive and enable the transition needed

and decades.

to decarbonise the sector. These go beyond the recently published Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media



Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  NET ZERO ROADMAP

UK Government Heat & Buildings strategy and cover existing homes, existing non-domestic buildings and new buildings as well as for the infrastructure which connects our buildings and industry.

Nigel Topping, COP26 High Level Climate Action Champion, commented: “As we start a critical decade for climate action, the United Kingdom can and should take a leadership role. This report epitomises leadership and establishes that the UK built environment has a comprehensive and rigorous plan for abating its emissions across the construction, operation, and demolition of buildings and infrastructure.

I invite you all to use this Roadmap for delivering a net zero future.”

How did COP26 end?

The media at COP26 wanted to report on major geopolitical moves to slow the climate emergency. It ended with some clear resolutions for further action to be taken around the world to address the current climate crisis. One key takeaway is that, after years of dancing around the issue, COP26 ended with a clear reference to the role of fossil fuels in perpetuating our climate crisis. However, some critics were frustrated by the lack of a more decisive stance on the use of coal.

Following a late objection from Indian delegates, the language shifted from the “phasing out” of coal to a more gradual “phasing down” with a reduction of “inefficient” fossil fuel subsidies. Much of the action on the issue of phasing out fossil fuels was deferred to COP27 which will be hosted in Egypt. However, several decisive actions were decided upon in what became the “Glasgow Climate Pact”.

What are the main decisions taken?

The Wood for Good conference that ran alongside COP26 heard Andrew Waugh – co-founder of Waugh Thistleton Architects and a pioneer of low-carbon design – say managing our homegrown timber resources is critical to supporting growing industry demand.

There was some disappointment among environmental groups that more decisive actions were not agreed upon as COP26 ended.

Nonetheless, the committee did decide upon several priorities to reduce the impact of climate change.

keeping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial

Although nations are not legally bound to act, US climate envoy

levels. This is essential to avoid a climate catastrophe and prevent the

John Kerry told CNN that nations in attendance would be bound by the:

impact of frequent and intense heat waves and storms on our planet.

“public scrutiny that holds you accountable to your own promises…

The key to this is reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a global

That’s a huge level of accountability, frankly.” The main decisions made

scale. To limit global warming to 1.5C, the world will need to reduce

in the Glasgow Climate Pact were as follows.

greenhouse gas emissions by around 27 billion metric tons per year.

Critics argue that the commitments made in the Glasgow Climate Pact

Fossil fuels

fall short of this.

Environmental groups were pleasantly surprised when explicit What will be the next steps for the UK?

reference was made to the role of fossil fuels, particularly coal, in exacerbating climate change. The burning of coal is responsible for

The decisions made at COP26 will have far-reaching implications for

roughly 40% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. The language

governments, industries and businesses around the world. But what are

of the agreement was changed from “phasing out” to phasing down”

the next steps for the UK? The most important include:

following an objection from India. The agreement also includes a commitment to end fossil fuel subsidies.

End of deforestation Trees absorb vast quantities of CO2 and are instrumental in the prevention and reversal of climate change, so it was a relief to see that over

•

Doubling down on our commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050

•

Working harder to reduce greenhouse emissions

•

Investing heavily in clean energy infrastructure

•

Working with the automotive industry to hasten the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles.

100 countries (which contain 85% of the world’s forests between them) pledged to end deforestation by 2030. Critics, however, warned that we have

We can expect the decisions made during COP26 to influence our

seen similar initiatives come and go with very little impact. Climate change

day-to-day lives in several ways. And while we should celebrate the

expert Prof Simon Lewis said that the world has “has been here before”, citing

transition to a more sustainable way of living, we all need to acknowledge

a 2014 declaration in New York which failed to make a meaningful impact on

the contributions that we need to make, and what we can do to help to

deforestation. It was also unclear how this would be policed.

mitigate the effects of climate change. The increased use of sustainable and certified timber from responsible sources is crucial as is the need to

Limit global warming to 1.5C

improve the amounts and availability of homegrown UK timber.

COP26 President Alok Sharma expressed gratitude to delegates More at  www.ukgbc.org

for ‘keeping 1.5 alive’, in reference to the Paris Agreement’s goal of Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

B

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

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www.timbermedia.co.uk

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FEATURE  ERP SOFTWARE

The Best Tools for the Job How can digital ERP systems help merchants meet the challenges of today’s marketplace?

W

ith a rapidly expanding

simpler and faster, with the most relevant

customer base emerging of

information front and centre, and are easier to

digital natives, customer

learn. Digital ERP systems hosted in the Cloud,

expectations are already

such as Merchanter, allow you 24/7 access

shifting dramatically. Timber & builders’

to your business from your smart device,

merchants not investing in digital

meaning you have the flexibility and control

transformation are likely to be missing out

to work when and where you need to, without

on some of the huge advantages digital

the need for specialist hardware. Merchanter

tools and services have to offer. More

works on any standard smart device and does

suppliers are now offering digital, cloud-

not usually require specialist hardware.

based ERP systems for merchants – so what

Cross-business integration for unparalleled The right tools for YOU – an industry-specific

accuracy – with information captured across

ERP system like Merchanter is tailored to you

every business function, you can be confident

Offer your customers the service they

and your business, so every user gets the

you’re seeing accurate, current data, giving

expect – from click & collect and eCommerce

most relevant tools for them. Customised

you a clear view of the business. From being

to up-to-date stock information and accurate

dashboards let users choose which metrics

able to see what stock is due in, what’s already

product data, digital systems help you provide

they see, while tiered pricing structures mean

accounted for and what’s out for delivery, it

the service your customers both need and

you’re only paying for the features you need

reduces error and wastage, improves stock

expect.

– while knowing it’s easy to upgrade (or cut

accuracy and enhances customer service.

are the advantages?

back) whenever you need to.

Agile foundations enable future growth –

Always up to date and improving – the

whether it’s eCommerce, PIMs or specialist

Real-time tools for the best information

beauty of a good cloud ERP system is that

accounting platforms, a good digital ERP

– want to know which stock is performing

it’s always evolving, so you should always

system will allow you to integrate your

best, and which needs a helping hand? Want

be working on the latest version without

operations with best-in-class solutions across a

to understand which customers are costing

time-consuming disruption or hidden costs

wide range of functions.

you money, or which suppliers are the

for updates. While legacy systems were

most reliable? Your ERP system can tell you

notorious for disruption and slow turnaround,

Accessibility & ease of use – one of the

everything you need to know, from which

modern systems are slick and efficient, with

biggest frustrations of ERP software is its

lengths of timber are selling through fastest

training, onboarding and updates all able to

complexity. But good, modern digital ERP

to how many deliveries have been on time this

be performed remotely.

systems should be designed with the user

month, so decision-making gets faster and

front of mind, making everyday processes

smarter.

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

More at  www.ten-25.co.uk

32

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media



ADVERTORIAL  WENTWORTH COMPUTERS

Integrated Online Store Wentworth Computers, a long-established solution provider, is delighted to announce that we have collaborated with J F Goodwillie Timber Merchants Ltd, a customer we have been associated with for over 20 years, to develop our new On-line Webstore to enable your products and services to be offered to a wider audience over the internet and allow 24/7 access to product and pricing information as well as order entry.

T

he Wentworth Gold software is a group of integrated applications that have been developed entirely inhouse, using industry leading tools from Magento eCommerce and Progress Software Inc. and can be

easily customised to your individual requirements. Our extensive knowledge of the timber trade and other merchanting industries along with warehousing, distribution and financial systems has been enhanced by the addition of the integrated On-line Webstore.

Eliminating the need for multiple software solutions from differing vendors, the Wentworth Gold ERP software offers the flexibility to operate using your own on-premises computer hardware, or make use of cloud computing via the internet through a network of remote secure servers hosted by a third party service provider such as ISCorp to store, manage and process your data for you.

The latest addition to our stable, On-Line WebStore incorporates

As an independent timber importer &

24/7 order processing and, more importantly, offers up to date stock

merchant we require a software package

availability and pricing to your customer base over the web. Orders

that can meet the growing demands of

may be placed in accordance with individual customer pricing terms

the business whilst remaining affordable.

and credit card, Paypal and cash sales for account, trade counter

‘Wentworth Gold’ gives us the ability to

and retail buyers are catered for. Credit checks are made using up to

monitor stock, process timber conversions, function as an epos system,

the minute information from the integrated accounting database.

as well provide us with a full accounting suite. Having a system that can

Customers can place orders for delivery or choose to Click & Collect,

handle multiple product types, multiple units of measure (including tally

charge it to their account or pay immediately and securely on-line.

products), multiple warehouse locations AND integrate directly with our

They are updated by email accordingly with order

webstore continually saves us both time and money.

acknowledgement and status through to order tracking and notified when their order is picked and ready for collection.

Having this integration is invaluable as it enables real-time stock and price

Timber volume calculations to 4 decimal places for linear, area

information for our remote workers via our webstore without the need

and volume also comes as standard and bulk imports and exports of

for expensive server and hardware upgrades.

data using EDI allow for speedy updates of product information.

Our team of specialists will work with your staff to ensure the

Our webstore now has current stock, price and product information and

smooth design, set up and installation of your new online store making it

the web-orders placed independently by our customers now appear

a great success. Your Wentworth Gold Webstore solution will enable you

directly in our order system ready for picking. This has reduced the time

to extend your sales channels to existing and new customers, boosting

it takes to raise orders, allocate stock, process payments and ultimately

sales, while increasing your productivity by saving you valuable time.

presents us with a cost saving alongside an increase in the amount of

Behind the scenes, comprehensive warehouse location definitions,

available man hours across multiple departments.

automatic put away, flexible picking operations, handheld and truck mounted RF scanner options for all stock movements backed by full

Having this system enabled us to operate a ‘click & collect’ service,

audit and traceability gives you complete control of your inventory.

contact free, for our customers during the recent Covid Pandemic.

Preparation of customer quotations, purchase order processing, Ross Shaw, General Manager of J F Goodwillie Ltd.

milling, comprehensive pricing and discount structures will give you a competitive edge when running your customer facing operations.

More at  Wentworth Computers Limited Tel: 01903 875800 • Email: sales@wentworthcomputers.com Website: www.wentworthcomputers.com

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2021-2022

33

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  ERP SOFTWARE

 Working Efficiently in 2022 Better reporting

“The past two years certainly haven’t been straightforward for

With pandemic and supply

merchant businesses,” says Chris

disruption starting to ease over the

Fisher, UK operations director at

next 12 months, business owners

ECI Software Solutions. “Alongside

can take a much more proactive

the worldwide supply chain

approach to planning. An ERP

crisis and problems caused by

system can link your reporting with

Covid-19, Brexit created significant

key documents, providing in-depth

headaches for the sector. Price

analysis and helping you drill down

rises and material shortages led to

into what works and what doesn’t.

many longer-term challenges, with

Via an ERP, reports can be run

some customers having to wait months for their orders to arrive.

on a daily, weekly or monthly basis – with much of the analysis

“During this period many became bogged down in day-to-day tasks,

automated at your convenience.

chasing deadlines, admin and managing customer enquiries – with ‘spare’ Growing your business

time proving increasingly scarce. As we head into 2022, here are some simple steps to help drive efficiency and win back time in the coming year.”

With more information available at the click of a button, you can focus more on strengthening customer relationships. The

Providing accurate updates

ability to refer to previous orders and note down specific order

As updates and questions from both buyers and suppliers build

requirements for future reference will help set you apart from the

up, it’s essential that you respond quickly and accurately. Those

competition. Should a customer call for an update on their account

reliant on separate spreadsheets and physical documents will find

balance, you can also access this information in a timely manner

themselves chasing a never-ending paper trail, particularly if the

– rather than having to put the caller on hold while you search

order involves multiple suppliers.

through endless documents manually.

A cloud-based ERP system can collate all this information in one

With the right technology in place, you can win back hours of

single database. Not only can these systems keep a log of customer

time allowing you to focus more on business growth and building

orders, but they can also store digital scans of invoices and other key

your reputation in 2022.

documents. Should a customer call for an update on the status of their order, logging-in takes a matter of seconds, preventing staff from being

More at  www.ecisolutions.com/en-gb/

dragged off the shop floor for a significant amount of time.

builders-merchants-software/spruce

 Do you have the right business management software in your tool kit?

K8 from Kerridge Commercial

delivery notes on their return. All delivery

Systems (KCS) is innovative business

information is on one screen. It’s a real time-

management software that provides

saver.” All the transactions have two major

you with the tools to improve business

benefits: they are minimising the amount

performance. Its rich functionality

of resources consumed – paper, ink, energy

gives you total control of your

and the transaction is immediately up to

business, making managing your

date in K8 when the sub-task has been

sales, stock, and accounts easy and

actioned. No additional effort required, no

convenient.

costly filing and storage. Hence efficiency,

Using K8’s suite of mobile apps,

hence greater profitability.”

a picker can scan the items from its

KCS’s robust cloud-hosted solution,

bin and then place the items onto the pallet for delivery. The pick

K-Cloud, provides data security, resilience, business continuity and

is automatically confirmed with no further intervention or paper,

includes everything from servers to storage, system analytics and

and accurate picking. The manifest for a driver can be electronically

more. The solution reduces costs and waste and helps you scale as

uploaded to a smart device and checked. On delivery the driver can

the needs of your business change.

then use the ‘sign on glass’ feature and take a photo as evidence as

KCS work hard to ensure every one of its customers get the

relevant. All these details will be immediately electronically uploaded

most of their K8 system. A dedicated team can provide a range of

to K8 upon completion of the delivery capturing full proof of delivery.

services including consultations, implementations, technical advice

“K8 ePOD has streamlined our processes significantly,” Paul

and tailored training.

Cornford, IS service manager of Howarth Timber, explains. “We no More at  www.kerridgecs.com

longer need to produce paper documents for our drivers or sort and file

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K8: Business management solution of choice for the timber industry • Cloud-based software that’s affordable, flexible and scalable • Optimise your warehouse management and meet your customers’ delivery expectations • Get trading online and open up new channels to market quickly and easily • Powerful financial control – manage your rebates, automate invoice processing • Improve your team’s performance, manage your margins and boost profits

www.kerridgecs.com

Your business. Your way.

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Winter 2021-2022

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German Industry Award for the Aisle Master AME-OP One of the new products to be launched this year by Combilift, the Aisle Master-OP (AME-OP) was a winner in this year’s “handling award 2021”, organised by leading German publication, Industrial Production. A jury of industry experts and votes from the readership determined the winners from over 30 entries, and the AME-OP won silver place in the Handling and Assembly Category of this year’s Awards.

with a low floor height of just 280mm which speeds up order picking, as well as the truck’s ability to work in very narrow aisles of just 1650mm for space saving operation.

“We are very proud to receive this accolade from a German publication for this innovative product,” said Combilift CEO and co-founder Martin McVicar. “Along with the UK and the USA, Germany is one of the most important and successful marketplaces for us, and it is also gratifying to see that Combilift is the only non-German company to be amongst the winners in all categories. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for the AME-OP, and I am sure this will help drive sales even further, not just for this model but for our extensive range of handling solutions.”

The new AME-OP is a stand-on electric powered model that combines the advantages of a narrow aisle articulated forklift and an order picker for versatile operation in warehousing applications.

Entries were judged on their combination of innovation, customer benefit and technical excellence, all of which qualities apply to the AME-OP. According to the editor of IP, Daniel Schilling, features which particularly impressed the jury and readers were the step-through operator compartment

For more information visit www.combilift.com

Good old British winter? Protect your project with West Fraser’s CaberDek flooring leading the pack CaberDek is one of West Fraser’s flagship quality flooring products designed to ensure that, whatever weather befalls UK construction sites, work can continue cleanly and safely. This is especially important with today’s tighter than ever timelines. It is made from the same moisture-resistant particleboard as the standard CaberFloor P5 and features a protective non-slip film applied to its upper surface.

In most new-build projects, the upper floors of a residential property are installed before the roof goes on, with the inevitable result that the new floor is left open to the elements for days or even weeks.

CaberDek’s protective film prevents rain and frost damage to the new floor surface as well as providing a safe non-slip working surface for the construction team. CaberDek can be left exposed, and remains BBA approved for up to 42 days without risk of damage, provided it is correctly installed with West Fraser’s CaberFix adhesives. Even after the building is weather-tight, the floor surface remains protected while following trades, such as plastering and painting, come onto site. When work has finished, the protective film is simply peeled off to reveal a pristine particleboard floor ready for covering.

A Proctor Group launches Wraptite® UV airtightness membrane Since its launch, the Wraptite® external airtightness membrane has been an incredible success and has been specified in a wide range of projects and applications. Now, Wraptite is being extended further with the introduction of Wraptite UV. Wraptite UV is a Class B fire rated membrane that combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness into one innovative, self-adhering product.

CaberDek comes in easy-to-handle 2400mm x 600mm panels produced in thicknesses of 18mm and 22mm. Suitable for fixing to traditional sawn timber or engineered-timber joists, including metal-web joists, it can be fixed with nails, screws, and with West Fraser’s own specially-formulated adhesives.

Specifically designed for use behind open jointed cladding, Wraptite UV has exceptional water and UV resistance. In addition, the product provides a shadow gap detail behind open jointed façade systems in offsite construction, rainscreen and timber cladding systems.

West Fraser’s CaberFloor range is complemented by the CaberFix range of adhesives and tapes. The range consists of CaberFix T&G adhesive, CaberFix Joint&Joist adhesive and CaberFix Tape. CaberFix D3 is specially formulated to produce strong bonds between adjacent panels along the tongue-andgroove joint. CaberFix Joint&Joist is a high-strength polymer adhesive which remains flexible after curing and is designed to fix a CaberDek floor to the supporting joists.

The inclusion of Wraptite UV prevents lateral air movement and enhances the building thermal performance. A rating of Sd 0.06m provides a high vapour permeability within a professional quality, selfadhered, airtight breathable membrane.

Replacing mechanical fixings, CaberFix Joint&Joist speeds up installation and produces a floor which is guaranteed free of squeaks and creaks. Its flexibility also contributes to noise attenuation, thus aiding in the floor’s conformity with Part E of the Building Regulations governing the passage of noise.

In addition to its use behind open jointed cladding, the membrane is designed for applications that require protection against UV for extended periods. The membrane is ideal for use in the storage and transportation of volumetric modules, offsite panelised systems, and within high rise façade construction.

CaberFix Tape seals the joints to prevent moisture degrading the T&G adhesives. For floors which are likely to be exposed to the elements during freezing conditions, West Fraser’s special CaberFix X-Treme tape is recommended.

During its application, the self-adhesive nature of Wraptite UV requires no mechanical attachment and bonds to multiple substrates for airtightness, offering ease of installation, negating the requirement for a primer, sealants, or tapes. Adhesive curing time is approximately 6hrs depending on environmental conditions.

To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email Daniel.Clarke@westfraser.com or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/

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Choose life, Choose wood

Buying from a responsible supplier makes you a responsible buyer…

Photo © Dieter Dejonghe

2025 – our aim is to trade in Certified timber only from 2025 onwards

Using timber is good Using certified timber is wonderful

Check our certified stock on our website vandecasteele.be

Contact Bergstraat 25 8511 Aalbeke Belgium vandecasteele.be

Calculate your environmental impact

genevieve@vandecasteele.be +32 56 43 33 00 dave@vandecasteele.be +44 15 94 83 43 32

It’s infectious!

In 1991, with vision and extraordinary passion, Timber Connection was formed. 30 years later that infectious desire has filtered into every aspect of the business through the individuals within the company that share their experience, expertise and willingness to make things happen.

It’s fair to say that over the years our customers have come to expect a lot from one of the UK’s leading timber traders, but perhaps none more so than a relationship that just makes them smile.

Better, connected. www.timberconnection.co.uk